SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has urged Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to deliver on the A5.

Minister O’Dowd had previously indicated he would recommend work proceed, subject to Executive approval.

Mr McCrossan said that work should begin on multiple sections of the road.

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:

“There is growing hope that we may finally see some light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the A5. Expectations have been raised and dashed so many times that people could be forgiven for being sceptical, but I genuinely believe we are close to a resolution and that is primarily down to the efforts of the campaigners who have done so much to see this delivered.

“The families of those who lost their lives on this road have shown incredible strength, going on to be the most vociferous advocates to see this work carried out, so that nobody else will have to go though what they did. I have stood with them throughout their campaign and am determined to see this get over the line after all their hard work.

“Anticipating progress, I have written to the Minister directly and stressed the importance of carrying out the Strabane to Omagh and Omagh to Ballygawley road upgrades at the same time. There is concern that the initial work will be limited, but we cannot take a piecemeal approach to redeveloping the A5. Further delays will mean more lives lost on this road and the Minister and Executive must do everything they can to progress this work as quickly as possible.”